Subaru Recalls Issued Over Engine Stall Risks

Nearly 400,000 Subaru vehicles have been recalled in two separate announcements, due to problems where certain models may stall suddenly, and result in an increased risk of an auto accident.

The Subaru recalls were announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on November 7, indicating that inaccurate fuel gauge readings and cracking valve springs may result in an engine stall risk.

A Subaru Outback and Legacy recall came following the discovery of a software programming error that may cause the low fuel warning light not to illuminate. Drivers are being warned the distance-to-empty (DTE) indicator in the multi-information display may falsely indicate there is fuel in the tank, increasing the risk of a stall and crash hazard on roadways.

Until the software is updated, drivers are encouraged to make sure their gas tanks are full and to not let the fuel gauge reach low levels that could give false readings.

That recall involves approximately 228,648 model year 2018 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback vehicles that were manufactured by Subaru of America Inc. An estimated 185,584 Outback vehicles and 43,064 Legacy models are impacted by the recall across the U.S.

Subaru will begin notifying owners and dealers of the issue and will provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair at a local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to reprogram the combination meter software. Customers with additional questions may contact Subaru Customer Service at 1-844-373-6614 and reference the recall number WTW-82.

The second Subaru recall announced last week involved 165,534 model year 2013 Scion FR-S models, 2013 Subaru BRZ models, 2012 through 2014 Impreza models and model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles.

According to the Subaru defect investigation, the vehicles were equipped with improperly designed valve train systems that may result in excessive stress on the valve springs. Over time, the valve springs located inside the engines could fracture and cause an engine malfunction, posing an increased risk of an engine stall while driving.

Drivers are being warned if they hear an abnormal noise or vibration from the engine component the valve springs may be about to fracture. In the event of a stall, drivers will be unable to restart the vehicle.

Subaru will begin notifying owners of the issue within 60 days if parts become available. Once parts are available, dealers will be instructed to replace the valve springs free of charge. Subaru customers are being asked to contact the manufacturer at 1-844-373-6614 for additional questions, and Toyota FR-S owners are being asked to contact Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371.